Feature

S.A. Spotlight: Interview with Cosplayer Maramosa

Today on S.A. Spotlight, we've decided to dive into the South African cosplay world with the elegant Maramosa, a terrific cosplayer who you might've seen at your local expo. When not designing awesome reimaginings of powerhouse Dreamworks and Disney characters, she's cosplaying as your favourite anime character. Let's have a look at what inspired her, continues to inspire her, and her favourite list of anime, movies and iconic characters.

What first inspired you to cosplay, and when did you start?

When I first started watching anime, I wished I could dress up as the characters on my screen. Then I found out what Cosplay was and I was in love. I decided to cosplay Lucy from Elfen Lied in a neon pink party wig at Geekfest 2013. I was amazed to see that I was not alone in dressing up. Everyone was so nice and I had so much fun that I decided to continue cosplaying.

With the South African cosplay scene growing by the day, what defines your own unique style?

Hmm. I would say that my style is anything that interests me. I do enjoy cosplaying different artists adaptations of characters such as no flutters Toothless and Hannah Alexanders Rapunzel. I also enjoy crossplaying. I guess I enjoy cosplaying characters fairly randomly.

What are some of your favourite characters to cosplay, and why? (anime, movies, etc.)

Silver haired anime boys. Called it an obsession, but for some unknown reason I love cosplaying silver haired anime boys. I plan to do many more in the future. I also enjoy cosplaying Disney characters, Dreamwork characters or characters kids will recognise. Kids reactions to cosplay are magical.

On that note, is there any character that you'd like to cosplay in the future?

One...two..seven million......loads! I have a few planned for this year including Undertaker from Black Butler, Gwenpool, Tracer, and others. I've always wanted to cosplay from Trinity Blood and SoulCalibur 5 as well.

From personal experience, the cosplay community has always been friendly and very welcoming of fans, especially at events like rAge. How do you feel when someone notices your cosplay work and characters?

When someone recognises me, I fangirl just as hard as they do! I'm always happy to be recognised and even more happy to take a photo with someone. It's always nice to see how many people share a fandom with you!

Are there any horror stories that you'd like to share from your experiences as a cosplayer?

I have a few haha. Usually I manage my time badly so I'm rushing to finish cosplays and that has gotten me in trouble on occasion. I once had a friend hot glue sleeves onto my skin. Thankfully I didn't get hurt but I'm never doing that again.

With Comic Con Africa coming up (really exciting!), will you be attending or cosplaying, and what/who will you cosplay as? (I know it's biased of me to ask for Toothless again. I do love How To Train Your Dragon!)

Comic Con is such an epic convention to have here in South Africa. I've decided to make some bigger cosplays. I will (if all goes to plan) be coslaying Seth from Trinity Blood and I was planning on bringing Toothless with as well.

What are some of your favourite and least favourite anime/television shows/movies, and how have they inspired you?

I have a lot of favorites in anime such as Kamisama Kiss, Bleach, Hellsing, Black Butler, ect. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to anime art style so I rarely like older animes though there are still some I'll watch. Anime has inspired me to be more optimistic and to know that if I work hard I can achieve my dreams.

For anyone starting in the cosplay world, what tips can you give your fellow artists?

Never forget why you started cosplaying! We all start somewhere so be patient with yourself. If you ever need help then don't be afraid to ask. Cosplay South Africa on Facebook is a great place to ask for advice. Lastly, have fun!

Finally, do you believe in Half-Life 3?

Do you believe in the tooth fairy?

Thank you to Maramosa for taking time out to speak to The Nexus about the world of cosplaying, and be sure to check her out on Facebook and Instagram to see more cosplay from her catalog!

There are 2 comments

There's 3 pictures. You know what else there's 3 of? Points of a triangle. Triangles point in 3 different directions. Directions take you to a location. Locations show you places. Gaben stays at a location. Therefore Half Life 3 confirmed?